The slides from the PCUSA Discernment Team shared at the 9/22/24 Congregational Gathering.
Discernment Phase…
- Meeting #2 with the Session (September 23, 2024) – reflection on the three gatherings, is further information needed, etc.
- Two Weeks Season of Prayer
- Meeting #2 with the Pastor (TBD)
- Meeting #3 with the Session (Early October) – Session decides whether (1) to poll the congregation (2) to pause (3) to stay
- If the Session proceeds with a poll, a congregational meeting is scheduled to take a poll on whether to pursue departure.
Dismissal Phase…
- Congregational Meeting with Poll
- At least a simple majority of the total membership must support dismissal.
- The polling meeting will be moderated by a DT member or a presbytery representative chosen by the DT.
- This first poll is considered preliminary and advisory only, authorizing proceeding to the development of a negotiated dismissal agreement that must be confirmed by both the Presbytery and the congregation.
- Three Outcomes: Continuation of fellowship, dismissal, schism
- For either a dismissal or schism, an Administrative Commission is formed by the Presbytery.
Dismissal Phase – Part 2
- The Administrative Commission is authorized to negotiate on behalf of the Presbytery with the Session.
- The negotiations include a wide variety of considerations, including all real property, any endowments that are PC(USA)-Specific, per capita payments, etc.
- If no agreement can be reached, there is a provision for arbitration.
Dismissal Phase- Part 3
- Once an agreement is reached (either through arbitration or negotiation)…
- Second Polling of the Congregation – “a second Presbytery consultation with members of the congregation will be convened to specifically poll the congregation on a final dismissal agreement. Al least fifty percent of the membership must be present and seventy five percent of those present must vote in favor of the agreement.”
Dismissal Phase – Part 4
- Presbytery Vote – When the Administrative Commission finds that a majority of the members of the congregation desire dismissal in accord with the dismissal agreement, the Commission shall report its findings to the Presbytery. A vote of the Presbytery for dismissal will be made with approval by a simple majority vote.